USAID Launches First Resource Center for Children with Disabilities in Sorsogon City

The U.S government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched the first inclusive Education Community Resource Center in the Philippines at Sorsogon East Central School, Burabod, East District, Sorsogon City.

The center is part of USAID's three-year, Php92.3 million Gabay Project implemented in partnership with Resources for the Blind Inc., a local non-government organization.

Gabay is designed to increase access to quality education for blind, deaf, and deafblind children.

Two other Resource Centers will be established later this in Batangas City and Maasin City.

The USAID-supported centers provide braille embossers, hearing aid devices, and other assistive technology and equipment for use by early-grade students with visual and hearing impairments.

The partnership will enable teachers to produce appropriate learning materials for 2,100 children with sensory disabilities.

USAID Philippines Office of Education Director, Dr. Thomas LeBlanc joined Philippine government officials led by Department of Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio, City Mayor Maria Ester Hamor's representative Tess Gonzales, DEPED Sorsogon Division Superintendent Dr. Tots Doncillo and DEPED Sorsogon City Schools Superintendent Dr. William Gando.

In his message, LeBlanc underscores the importance of USAID's partnership with Gabay NGO, DEPED and Local Government Unit of Sorsogon City in providing quality education to children with sensorial disabilities.

Meanwhile, DEPED USEC Antonio lauds the school officials of Sorsogon East Central School for opening up to Gabay project for blind, deaf and deafblind through USAID.